Chelsea plotting sensational move for Manchester United star "unsettled" by Ronaldo

Chelsea are plotting a sensational move for Manchester United star Marcus Rashford, who is unsettled by Cristiano Ronaldo, according to reports.

Rashford netted a wonderful goal in England’s 6-2 demolition of Iran, as Gareth Southgate’s side kicked off their World Cup in style.

At his club too Rashford has impressed. The Man Utd attacker has been in resurgent form under new boss Erik ten Hag, having underwhelmed last term.

However, the 25-year-old has been linked with a move to Chelsea. The London side have struggled under Graham Potter and are currently languishing in eighth place in the Premier League.

With their squad in desperate need of attacking inspiration, could Rashford make the move from Man Utd to the Blues?

Would Man Utd sell Rashford?

Rashford is out of contract in 2023, so could go on a free next summer. While Daily Mail claim there is an option to extend the player's contract by a further year the England man is allegedly unsettled at Man Utd because of wantaway attacker Ronaldo.

Journalist Simon Phillips has claimed on his Substack: “Off the back of Thomas Tuchel’s recommendation, Chelsea looked at Rashford as an option in the summer.

“His contract situation is an interesting one, and he has been unsettled since Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival.

“I’m told Chelsea are still keeping an eye on the situation still now, even after Tuchel’s departure.”

Ronaldo arrived at Man Utd in the summer of 2021 and initially impressed for the Old Trafford side. However, things have gone sour for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner in recent months.

Ronaldo’s TalkTV interview, in which he is critical of Man Utd’s ownership, manager and young players, has caused a rift between the Portugal star and the club.

Ten Hag is a fan

Ten Hag has been full of praise for Rashford this season.

After the forward scored a brace in Man Utd’s 3-1 win over Arsenal in September, ten Hag said: “He was brilliant. It was a really great performance from him.

“As a striker, he was pressing. But also, when we played it over him and he was the target, he made the right decisions.

“For instance, also with the goal for Antony. Finally, he was twice in behind and finished. It was a great performance and I’m really happy because he has invested a lot.”

Topics: Football, Marcus Rashford, Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United, Chelsea, England

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.